Why CBD Oil is One of the Best Alternative Treatments For Dogs
With the rise in popularity of medicinal cannabis and its legalization over several places all around the world, a lot of people have familiarized themselves with the idea of using this particular plant to treat some health conditions that can greatly affect their day to day lives.
Considering how useful it can be, it is not really surprising to see more and more people riding the wave of popularity of medicinal cannabis. Sadly, there are some situations in which medicinal cannabis might not be as reliable, mainly because of the way it influences the mind and body, and this is often known as the high.
This effect is caused by a cannabinoid known as THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This particular cannabinoid can cause an intoxication effect that can make it harder for people to benefit from the plant without sacrificing some of their senses, which in certain scenarios, is a big no-no.
Here’s where cannabidiols products like CBD oil enter the play. Because CBD-based products are created using the hemp plant, a derivation of the cannabis that contains a very small percentage of THC, it is possible to enjoy its benefits without getting high.
But there’s something a lot of people didn’t know about CBD, and that is the fact that CBD oil, as well as other CBD-infused products, can be used in dogs as well! But why would a pet owner use CBD oil on their dogs? Well, if you are interested in learning more about it, this article is definitely for you.
CBD is a Very Safe Alternative
 Something a lot of people don’t realize about medicinal cannabis and THC is the fact that these two can be pretty toxic for animals. Considering that CBD (which is also commonly referred to as cannabidiol) contains around 0.3% of THC, it becomes the safest alternative in the market right now.
But why is THC toxic for dogs and other animals? Well, because of the ECS, or Endocannabinoid system. As shown over at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocannabinoid_system, the endocannabinoid system is a compound of neurotransmitters that can be influenced by both THC and CBD.
Problem is that THC influences it in a very aggressive way, and although we humans can handle this influence, animals cannot. This is mainly due to how their endocannabinoid systems are much more sensitive, and can be easily overwhelmed by this compound.
On the other hand, CBD is a lot gentler, and can influence the ECS without overwhelming it, making it possible to enjoy the benefits of this influence without harmful side effects.
It’s Not Perfect, Though
That being said, although harmless, cannabidiol can still cause some side effects, mainly linked to the stomach. Such side effects include things like:
- Náusea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lost of appetite
- Excessive drowsiness
Thankfully, said side effects are linked to a higher consumption than the body can handle, thus reducing the dose is usually the best way to avoid them and deal with them. Of course, there’s a lot that needs to be learned about CBD as an alternative method of treatment, as shown over here, since research is still in its early stages.
Despite that, cannabidiol medication is often described by the community and several professionals as a very safe alternative as long as it is not combined with other medications that are incompatible with it, since this might increase the liver damage medications can cause.
Thus, it is important to do your research, and ask your veterinarian whether CBD is a viable choice, before giving it a try. To avoid side effects, it is also important to start with small dosages and pay close attention to the dog’s reaction.
The reason why it is recommended to go for oils instead of other products is because of how it can be easy to handle very precise doses thanks to droppers, and this is essential if you want to learn what the best dosage for your dog is, even more taking into consideration how many different factors can influence its effects.
Thankfully, providers tend to share charts with information related to said factors, such as weight and size, to guide newcomers when it comes to choosing the dose.
What Are the Benefits of Cannabidiol for Dogs?
Just like human beings, dogs can also suffer from health complications that can greatly affect their performance at many things. For example, large dogs tend to suffer from joint pain and inflammation, especially once they reach the 7 years threshold. This can affect the way they exercise and play, and in some cases, it can even cause them depression.
They might also suffer from inflammatory diseases like arthritis as well, and in some situations, kidney complications and cancer are also capable of inducing a lot of pain and inflammation. Thanks to the CBD for dog benefits, it is possible to alleviate this pain and the inflammation caused by said conditions, thanks to the way it influences the endocannabinoid system into reducing inflammatory responses and pain sensation.
A lot of pet owners also use CBD to help their pets deal with anxiety. Anxiety comes in many levels and because of different situations, and thanks to being a relaxing compound, CBD can help them cope with this anxiety, calming them down in the process.
This can prove to be incredibly useful if your dog suffers from separation anxiety or is usually very anxious when meeting people or animals. Going on a trip or visiting a groomer is another occasion in which cannabidiol oil can come in very handy.
